Meet Bruce Penner

Bruce Penner, RN, CCRN, has never worked in acute care any place other than Samaritan Health Services. And after more than 13 years on the job, he says he knows he's got it good.

"I may not have ever worked anywhere else to compare to, but I've talked with lots of people who have," says Penner. "Samaritan is a really good place to work. Staffing levels are good, vacation benefits are good and there's a real push to make sure you know your stuff and are educated. We're really progressive here."

Penner says the focus on continuing education ensures he and other nurses stay up to date with the latest technology and best practices. "It really helps us be the best we can be," he says.

And while he loves his interactions with patients and their families, and the sense of accomplishment he feels from caring for a patient from start to finish, he also appreciates the time away from the hospital his schedule allows.

"I work 12 hour shifts and the way the scheduling works out, I take seven to eight days off in a row regularly. It gives me a chance to spend quality time with my family and do the things that I enjoy at home."

Growing up in Japan, Penner says the landscape of Western Oregon reminds him of his childhood home. "The mountains and how green everything is here is very much like Japan," he says. "I'm very lucky to live in such a great place and have a very rewarding job."